Asking your candidate to describe herself in just one word could provide a very interesting insight.

Some people spend a good deal of time criticizing those around them. This person will often tell us "it's for their own good" or "it's constructive criticism." They want you to believe they are doing you a favor by pointing out the faults of others.

You're sitting down with Matt who is interested in the stock clerk position or the telemarketing position or perhaps the Office Manager position. You've read over his résumé and you've asked him several questions in the interview. And you've decided Matt's a decent candidate for the position. Then let's cut right to the chase with: "Matt, how can you benefit this company?"

Ask your applicant how well she got along with others at her last job (or last several jobs). The first responses will usually be “social responses” and they’ll tell you they got along just fine. Do a bit of digging on this. 

Let’s say you have a pressing need to fill a position. You put the word out, interview some applicants, and you hire the person most suited for the job. You then give this new hire an explanation of what’s needed and wanted and send them off to their work area. What are your expectations of this person?

Some of us are very close with our staff or a number of them. And some of us choose to have a strictly professional relationship. If you are inclined to developing friendships with some (or all) of your staff, then this fact should also be considered during the hiring process. What if you have a great prospect in front of you, the right skills, superb test results, a real depth of experience at the position but they rub you the wrong way? What if you cannot see ever inviting them on a camping trip?

We all like to recall the good times. And we'd much rather talk about our accomplishments than our failures. From a hiring perspective, though, it would be very helpful to find out HOW our candidates handled the tough times. Did they cave? Did they relish the challenge? Let's find out.